The flu is killing more people in SC now than it did last year, report shows. Here’s how many
Total flu deaths and cases in South Carolina so far this year have surpassed what they were at this point last year, health reports show.
There were 139 total flu-related deaths for the season reported the week of Feb. 9 through Feb. 15, the latest data available, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health. This time last year, there were 101 total flu-related deaths reported.
The state had a total 51,734 lab-confirmed flu tests reported the week of Feb. 9, up from a total of 51,237 reported a year ago.
Flu-associated hospitalizations are also up for the year. The latest report shows there have been 6,177 flu-related hospitalizations in the state so far this season, up from 4,217 by the same period last year.
Why are SC flu cases so high?
Dr. Martha Buchanan, director of the Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at DPH, recently told The State that every flu season is unique and that sometimes they start earlier or later than usual. This year, peak flu season started later than usual — so year-over-year deaths and cases may even out a bit more toward the end of flu season in March.“There is no reason to panic,” Buchanan had said. “I’ve been a little surprised it hasn’t been growing as fast, but now it’s picking up a little later than normal.”
Flu rate slowing in SC
While the latest numbers are a bit high, they’ve also shown that flu season has begun to wane in the state. For instance, there were 3,144 new lab-confirmed flu cases in the latest report, down from 8,232 the week prior and 10,231 two weeks earlier.
There were also 689 new flu-related hospitalizations in the latest report, lower than 1,230 reported a week earlier and the 1,284 reported two weeks prior.
SC counties with the most flu
Flu activity is currently considered widespread geographically, according to DPH. Below is a list of South Carolina counties that reported patient visits for the flu that were above the state baseline for the week.
- Oconee
- Anderson
- Pickens
- Greenville
- Spartanburg
- Laurens
- York
- Newberry
- Lexington
- Richland
- Kershaw
- Chesterfield
- Darlington
- Florence
- Dillon
- Horry
- Jasper
- Beaufort
- Colleton
- Charleston
How to reduce spread of flu
To find flu vaccinations nearest you in South Carolina, click here.
Below are other actions you can take to protect yourself and others from the flu, according to the CDC:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick if possible, including from work, school, and errands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
- Frequently clean touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs to help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
This story was originally published February 21, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
